MAYUGE: WaterAid, a nonprofit organization undertaking the provision of clean water, is in Busoga to implement its objectives. The organization is using motorized borehole systems to supply and uplift water access in the Busoga subregion and beyond.
In the latest projects, the organization extended services to Mayuge district where a new motorized borehole system was launched. Residents of Lugwara Quarters village in Wairasa Sub County are beneficiaries of the significant initiative.
WaterAid Uganda collaborates with district local governments to promote the supply of clean water to the local communities. The collaboration is always supported by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Mr Ernest Gbekor, the acting country director of WaterAid Uganda, says the recent project commissioned on May 14, 204 involved WaterAid distributing water over 6 kilometers, with four tap stands of six outlets each to the community of Lugwara Quarters. The event was presided over by the Third Deputy Prime Minister and also the Mayuge woman lawmaker, Hajjat Lukia Isanga Nakadama.
He emphasizes the organization’s commitment to ensure sustainability to ensure long-lasting projects to save the generation with safe water.
“Sustainability is key for WaterAid to save generations and ensure long-lasting impact. We work with the Ministry of Water and other partners to maintain these facilities, so the community will continue to benefit from this significant investment.” Says Mr Gbekor.
He states that the initiative has also promoted hygiene and sanitation practices in the community, encouraging residents to build pit latrines, bathrooms, and handwashing facilities.
In this project, 3,111 individuals were reached in the hygiene behaviour change campaign, and 2,555 people have access to safe, clean, and reliable water supply, according to the organization acting country director.
Etole Gaspero, a village chairperson LC1 in Mayuge district, highlights the core challenges faced by the community, including waterborne diseases and safety risks for women and girls fetching water from distant unsafe sources. The local leader believes that the intervention of WaterAid Uganda serves as an address to such issues.
“We used to get water from faraway swamp areas, where our daughters were at risk of being raped. Now, with this new system, cases of domestic violence have reduced as wives can access water nearby.” said Gaspero.
Similarly, the organization conducted a similar project in Kamuli district, where a $163,000 water supply system was commissioned in Nawanende Parish, Bugulumbya Sub-County. Also funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the initiative is expected to benefit over 50 villages for the next 20 years.
WaterAid Uganda’s move in Busoga reflects government’s aim to provide every village with a reliable water source by 2030
